B. I. News on the 'Net, November 4-10, 2013

From CCSD Don Schneider

Charlevoix COUNTY SEAT-·- Michigan's fields and forests will soon be alive with blaze orange hunting gear. Sheriff Don Schneider wants both visitors and residents of Charlevoix County to know some important safety rules before setting out to camp.

Your hunting license and the identification used to purchase it (Michigan driver's license, identification card, or DNR sport card) must be carried with you at all times while hunting.
All hunters must wear an item of clothing (hat, cap, vest, or rain gear) in "hunter orange"; it must be the outermost garment; and it must be visible from all sides. If it is camouflage, at least 50 percent of the garment must be orange.
Hunting hours begin approximately one-half hour before sunrise and last until approximately one-half hour after sunset.
Safety zones include all areas within 150 yards (450 feet) of an occupied building, house, cabin, barn, or other farm building. You may not hunt in this area or shoot at any animal within this area, unless you have the written permission of the property owner.
It is illegal to drink alcohol or use intoxicating drugs before hunting.

Sheriff Schneider also wants hunters to take the following precautions to prevent injury or death while hunting this season:

Familiarize yourself with the area where you will be hunting

Never assume you are alone in the woods

Never assume other hunters are acting responsibly.

Be 100 percent sure of your target before shooting.

If you are sitting against a rock or a tree, make sure it is wider than your shoulders, so you won’t be mistaken for a target.

Sheriff Schneider urges all hunters to act responsibly this season. "Reacquaint yourself with Michigan's hunting laws and follow these safety tips to prevent a tragedy from happening this year."

Veteran's Day Celebration

With the temperature hovering around freezing and the wind blowing to make a windchill of 14 degrees, the decision was made to hold the gathering at the Beaver Island Community School Gymnasium. The program began right on time at 11:00 a.m. led by Bob Tidmore.

The school children and community attended.

The veteran's during the prayer.

Bob Tidmore led the program.

Lillian Wiser read Flanders Field.

Bob Hoogendoorn closed the program.

Clip of the Short Program

Clip of Johnny Andy Gallagher's Great Grandaughter Lillian Wiser Read Flanders Field

"That Fateful Day"

The story of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald brings back sad memories. The song is familiar to almost all generations. One very personal recollection of 'that fateful day' is presented here for those who live on Beaver Island. Paul Welke's story of remembrance of that day is chilling, and it brings it home to those who have been on the Island for many years. You can read Paul's story HERE.

Here are the lyrics to the song:

"The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald"

Chimney Swifts

by Kay Charter

Chimney Swifts are small charcoal gray birds with stubby bodies and long, tapering wings.  Their appearance has led some birders to refer to them as "flying cigars."  They feed exclusively on aerial insects like flies, winged ants and mosquitoes.  Each swift eats a couple of thousand insects a day, making these little birds excellent at mosquito control.

Chimney Swifts were once common across the eastern half of the country.  Before European settlers arrived, the birds nested in the tops of dead trees. As our forebears cut down dead trees for firewood, the birds moved their nest sites to the masonry chimneys that sprouted up across the land.  In recent decades, brick and stone chimneys have been capped off or replaced with metal thereby reducing the numbers of suitable nest sites for the birds.

In order to slow the losses - and perhaps even turn the numbers around - artificial chimneys have been erected in some areas.  Saving Birds Thru Habitat on Leelanau Peninsula has three, and hopes to add more in the future.  Beaver Island has at least one pair of nesting swifts at the South Head Lighthouse.  Now another will be added in St. James.  Thanks to a grant secured by Conservation Resource Alliance, a chimney swift nesting structure will built in the hope of attracting a pair of these delightful little flying cigars.

Kay Charter
Executive Director
Saving Birds Thru Habitat
Omena MI, 49674-0288
231-271-3738
www.savingbirds.org

(An artificial chimney is being constructed next to the old medical center, the Governmental Center.)

Holiday Bazaar

CHILDREN’S LUNCH WITH SANTA

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2014, from 11:30 am--1:00 pm

AT GREGG FELLOWSHIP HALL, BEAVER ISLAND CHRISTIAN CHURCH

ALL CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS AND/OR GRANDPARENTS ARE INVITED TO COME AND HAVE A HOT DOG LUNCH BEFORE SEEING SANTA. SANTA WILL ARRIVE AT 12:00

BRING YOUR CAMERA TO TAKE A PICTURE OF YOUR CHILD WITH SANTA.

Sponsored by the AMVETS Post #46

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN

The AMVETS will again hold a Santa’s Workshop on Wednesday, December 18, 2013, at the Beaver Island Community School so that the school children can pick out and purchase gifts for their family and friends. 

This is a fun occasion for the workers as well as the children.  If anyone in the community would like to come and help wrap, etc. please call Dee Gallagher (448-2262) for details.

Inagaural Wolf Hunt Questioned

Check out an article HERE

Lady Islanders Play in District Finals

BINN believes that this is the first time ever that the Lady Islanders volleyball team has played in the District Finals. This game was played against the Engadine Eagles from a high school of 88 students with fourteen juniors and seniors on the team and two sophomores. The Lady Islanders have 22 in the high school with four juniors and seniors on the team and two sophomores. The rest of the Lady Islanders are younger.

The Lady Islanders went down to defeat in three games, but being able to watch them was well worth the trip. The Islanders had won against the Mackinaw City Comets the night before the finals with the finals taking place on November 7, 2013. Unfortunately, there was no Internet access available in the gymnasium for the public, so there was no live streaming possible. The games were recorded and a link to the clips are available HERE.

Although the Lady Islanders did not win the District Finals, they are all winners because they are the first volleyball team from Beaver Island that has played in the finals. This and their wonderful performance in games all season make all the Lady Islanders winners to those of us who have watched them through the years. Congratulations, Lady Islanders!

While doing the video for an event is pretty much all consuming, an attempt to get a couple pictures was made. Here are a few.

Hannah warms up......Islanders introduced.........Engadine introduced

Good luck...good luck...good luck

Madie serves.....Olivia awaits a serve......Sarah serves

Lady Islander Time-Out

Emily serves...........Lady Islanders await serve

Game 1 score

Ready girls!!!....close up of readiness.......Olivia serves

Game 2 score

Olivia serves.............Hannah serves............Coaches look on...

Madie scrambles for the ball

Emily serves

Score game 3

Lady Islander Volleyball Team 2013

Special thanks go out to Island Airways for their support of BINN's trip to cover the event.

Charlevoix County Transit

MAINLAND HOURS OF OPERATION
6:00 a.m.--7:00 p.m. (Monday thru Friday - except Holidays)
9:00 a.m.--4:00 p.m. (Saturday – except Holidays)

BEAVER ISLAND SUMMER HOURS
8:00 a.m.--5:00 p.m. (Monday thru Saturday - except Holidays)

BEAVER ISLAND WINTER HOURS
11:00 a.m.--4:00 p.m. (Monday thru Friday - except Holidays)

(Hours subject to change.)

FARE INFORMATION
Children under 6 years .50
Senior Citizen (60 and over) .50
Handicap: .50
Youth: (ages 6 to19) 1.00
Regular Fare: (ages 20 to 59) 1.50

Note:  All passenger fares are double 15 miles and over.

(Fares subject to annual review.)

SCHEDULING
Mainland: (231) 582-6900
Beaver Island: (231) 448-2026
Toll Free (800) 918-3447

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE & BUS GARAGE LOCATION
Jill Drury, Manager
Charlevoix County Transit
1050 Brockway Street
Boyne City, MI  49712
jdrury@cctransit.org

Since 1980, Charlevoix County Transit has been providing public transportation throughout the County, and Beaver Island a few years later. The transit system operates 20 ADA accessible buses and provides over 117,000 rides annually.

St. James Township Board Meeting, November 6, 2013

As usual the meeting began with the approval of minutes and the approval of payments. There was no controversy related to these, but that is the only item on the agenda that did not have controversy surrounding it. Here is the list of items on the agenda of this November 6, 2013, St. James Township Meeting that began at 7 pm and continued on for a little over two hours, the longest meeting in a long time.

Old business items included a Proposal from St. James Property Owners Association regarding the two lot owned by the township at the corner by the beach at Donegal Bay, Open the Bid for Fuel Oil and LP Gas, and Open the Bid for Snowplowing. Each had their own discussion and issues.

New Business items included Property Acquisition by Woollam Foundation, Dangerous Buildings Ordinance, Transfer Station Manager Appointment, Proposed Ice Rink on Township Parking Lot, Township Approval of NRESC Charter and Amendment to the By-Laws, Post Notice for Waste Management Committee Appointment, Discuss Possible Meeting for Additional Insurance Coverage, and the added item regarding the chimney swift kiosk and its location. Don Vyse provided information about the Lighthouse Restoration and the confusion about the location of the Fressnel lens that is going to be replaced.

You can view the video of this meeting HERE

Veteran's Day at Vet's Memorial

Vigilance

by Cindy Ricksgers

Terry Saxton has been watching a spot not far from his home on  the south end of Beaver Island. This September, when our team of specialists were here to administer herbicidal treatment, he took them to the site. Sure enough, it was a sizable stand of invasive Phragmites, that had made itself quite at home. Because the site was inland – and on private property – it had not been included in the survey last Spring of all public and beachfront land.

Jeff Powers was out near Donegal Bay about a month ago, gathering wild grapes. He noticed a suspicious-looking plant growing alongside cattails there. He snapped a few pictures, and sent them to Pam Grassmick. Pam forwarded them to me, and I went to investigate. Off the road, over the grapevines, through dense brush, down a long slope, and up to my knees in cold, swampy water, I found the plants he had noticed. Phragmites, sure enough. Definitely the invasive strain. Inland, and less than a mile from Donegal Bay!

I looked for signs that the Phragmites had been treated. Sometimes you can spot remnants of the blue-green dye that is added to the herbicide. No trace. Sometimes you can see spotting or streaking of the stalk that indicates the plant has been treated. Nothing that my inexperienced eye was obvious. I cut three large stalks, to get another opinion. Sure enough, this is another area that will be on our list for treatment next year.

Last year, the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa funded a huge survey of Beaver Island that covered public lands. It was a tremendous donation, and a huge help in our fight against this invasive wild grass.

To continue the effort, your vigilance can be very helpful, as these two examples show. There are many areas, wild, unoccupied and off the beaten path, that were not included because they are private holdings. Please be on the lookout, and inform us if you find suspicious growth. In this way, we can stop Phragmites here before it takes over.

You can view this on the Internet HERE

Township Airport Terminal Progress

It's a really nasty, rainy, and windy day this November 6. 2013. Their wasn't going to be anyone working on the airport terminal at the Beaver Island Airport, owned by the two townships. A trip out to the airport was important to figure out what had been accomplished in the last week and how the project was coming along. Here are a few pictures to show that the trussess are starting to go up. Here are the views on November 6, 2013, from:

The west wall...................the north wall

The east wall.....................the south wall

Video Walk Around of the Terminal

The Meetings That Weren't

On November 5, 2013, a Special Waste Management Committee meeting was called for 3:00 pm. There was not a quorum. there needed to be four members out of the seven, and only three members were present. Another meeting was set up for November 6, 2013, but, apparently there was a typo on the meeting post that said "Wednesday, November 5, 2013" and there wasn't sufficient time to fix the typos on all the posted notices, and still meet the eighteen hour notice required by the Open Meetings Act. So this was the second meeting that was schedule in the last two days that could complete business. The first was no quorum, and the second was insufficient notice.

Video of Second Non-Meeting

If anyone is interested in reviewing the Freedom of Information Act and the Open Meetings Act presentations done in May 2012, they were video taped and may be viewed HERE.

Flight Home

Spreading the Sunshine

by Cindy Ricksgers

Mary, who writes a “Reflections from the Heart” blog at http://perezmemoir.wordpress.com has nominated me for the Sunshine award. According to Mary, this award recognizes bloggers whose writings “light up the dark corners of our minds”.

As someone who too often writes to work through anger, sadness or melancholia, it is wonderful to be appreciated as someone who lights up anything!

The rules are simple. Thank the person who gave you the award in your blog post, answer a few non-invasive questions (my favorite color is red, my own two spoiled dogs are my favorite animals and my passions – in alphabetical order – are Art, Family, Gardening, Reading, Walking and Writing), and pass the award on to 10-12 other bloggers, let them know and link to their blogs.

Now, at this point, I am going to regretfully decline this lovely award. I read and enjoy many other blogs, Mary’s included. If I could figure out how to do it, I’d have a “blog roll” on my own site, making it easy for others to look at my favorites.

I can’t.

I don’t know how to create the list, how to link to other sites, how to put the little Sunshine Award logo on my page…and, frankly, I don’t have the stamina to try to figure any of it out.

For me, it’s enough that someone thinks I deserve it.

Thank you, Mary!

Follow Cindy on her blog HERE

And just for the record, BI News on the 'Net thinks that Cindy Ricksgers deserves this award, and BINN thinks Cindy should accept the award for her wonderful writing.

November Millage Election for St. James

This election took place on November 5, 2013

Eighty (80) voters participated in today's election and the results are shown below each proposal.

(Posted at 8:15 p.m., November 5, 2013)

PROPOSAL TO RENEW FIRE PROTECTION MILLAGE

This proposal renews the 1 mill fire protection millage previously approved by the electors that expired in December, 2012.

Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be imposed on taxable property in the Township of St. James, County of Charlevoix, State of Michigan be increased by up to one dollar ($1.00) per thousand dollars ($1,000) (1mil) of the taxable value on all taxable property in the township for five (5) years, 2013 through 2017 inclusive, for the purpose of providing funds for fire protection, and shall the Township levy such millage for this purpose?  If approved and levied in its entirety, it is estimated that the 1 mill would raise an estimated $46,802 for the township when first levied in 2013.

Yes 73

No 7

PROPOSAL TO RENEW ROAD MILLAGE

This proposal renews the 2 mills road construction and maintenance millage previously approved by the electors that expired in December, 2012.

Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be imposed on taxable property in the Township of St. James, County of Charlevoix, State of Michigan be increased by up to two dollars ($2.00) per thousand dollars ($1,000) (2 mills) of the taxable value on all taxable property in the township for five (5) years, 2013 through 2017 inclusive, for the purpose of providing funds for road construction and maintenance, and shall the Township levy such millage for these purposes?  If approved and levied in its entirety, it is estimated that the 2 mills would raise an estimated $93.604 for the township when first levied in 2013.

Yes 64

No 16

PROPOSAL TO RENEW MEDICAL CENTER MILLAGE

This proposal renews the 2 mills medical center millage previously approved by the electors that expired in December, 2012.

Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be imposed on taxable property in the Township of St. James, County of Charlevoix, State of Michigan be increased by up to two dollars ($2.00) per thousand dollars ($1,000) (2) mills of the taxable value on all taxable property in the township for five (5) years, 2013 through 2017 inclusive, for the purpose of providing funds for the operation of the islands medical center, and shall the Township Levy such millage for this purpose?  If approved and levied in its entirety, it is estimated that the 2 mills would raise an estimated $93,604 for the township when first levied in 2013.

Yes 65

No 15

Free Ride to Vote

Charlevoix County Transit offers free rides to polling places for all Local, State and Federal elections.  Call 231-448-2026 to schedule a free ride to cast your vote in any election. 

Holy Cross Mission Taking Place This Week

The Mission began on November 3, 2013, and continues on through Thursday. Click on the picture above to read the announcement

Who's This?

This former Beaver Island Community School graduate was caught singing in a duo this past weekend. This did not take place on Beaver Island, nor even in Michigan. Although this wonderful singer has left the Island, her beautiful voice and her talent in teaching children is well known.

The first person that send the editor an email with the correct name of this singer will receive the ability to give a gift subscription to someone who does not already subscribe to Beaver Island News on the 'Net. This is being done in the spirit of Thanksgiving. Send your email to medic5740@gmail.com

This is Kerry (Carrie) Podgorski who is participating in a duo concert. She is a wonderful teacher and has a wonderful voice. Her mom Cheryl Podgorski had Carrie in school here at BICS, and she graduated from BICS. The only person to provide the correct answer was Sheri Timsak, also a wonderful vocalist.

Just a Little Crazy Debut

Links Lyn Jenks Presentation on Affordable Care Act Video of this entire presentation is HERE Link to the Charlevoix Hospital Video Presentation HERE   St. James Township Meeting, October 2, 2013 Video of the Meeting can be viewed HERE Information from Our School Beaver Island Community School Board Meeting Schedule Peaine Township Meeting, October 9, 2013 Video for this meeting may be viewed HERE Beaver Island Community Center BEAVER ISLAND COMMUNITY CENTER At the Heart of a Good Community •  FALL & WINTER HOURS: Mon – Fri 11am – 5pm Sat 11am – 9pm Sun Closed! Check www.BeaverIslandCommunityCenter.org or the Community Center for listings List of Birds Seen on Beaver Island This list was compiled by Eric Myers with help from others. If you know interested persons, please pass on this list of bird seen on Beaver Island. Perhaps a brochure could be compiled with the time of year and some likely locations. If anyone has an idea that could be posted electronically, please contact BINN via email at medic5740@gmail.com Click to see the List HERE Link to the Beaver Island Airport 10-year Plan Human Services Commission Resource Manual Complete Guide to Charlevoix County Human Services HERE On the Beach of Beaver Island You will need Quicktime or another music player to enjoy this link. The music played in the Holy Cross Hall in the late 70's and early 80's, recorded for posterity and shared here. Beaver Island Association Annual Meeting The video of the majority of the meeting can be viewed HERE Meeting Minutes The minutes of all public meetings will be posted as soon as they are received. News on the 'Net welcomes minutes to all public meetings. All organizations are welcome to submit meeting minutes for publication on this website. Please email them to medic5740@gmail.com. Airport Committee Minutes Beaver Island Cultural Arts Association Minutes Beaver Island District Library Board Minutes Peaine Township Board Minutes BIRHC Board Meeting Minutes St. James Township Meeting Minutes Beaver Island Community School Board Meeting Minutes Beaver Island Ecotourism Goals Draft, rev. 3, 19 Jan 2010 Beaver Island Natural Resources and Eco-Tourism Steering Committee Minutes Beaver Island Transportation Authority Minutes Joint Human Resources Commission Minutes Waste Management Committee Minutes Beaver Island Airport Commission Minutes New for 2011!	Eagles on Vacation Snowing in the Sunshine Sunday, November 2, 2013, just a short time before the Michigan versus Michigan State game, the sun was shining, but a quick look outside the front window showed that the snow was coming down in the sunshine. Here are two pictures showing what caught the eye. Progress of the Terminal Building The walls are up, but no trusses yet. What is That? A trip around Gull Harbor on Gull Harbor Road was made after being off the Island for a couple of days. Out of the corner of an eye, something didn't look right. "What is that?" the photographer asked. "Is it an animal on top of a rock? an animal laying on the rock? a bunch of ducks huddled together on a rock?" Can you tell by this picture what this is? It was puzzling because a biologist has just passed the car that was stopped, and it did not catch his eye. It was necessary to get the mystery solved. A quick walk toward the object of interest was necessary. Zooming in with a big lens finally answered the question. Who would have thought that these were not real ducks? Who would have thought that the rock was really like a kayak with a duck hunter in camouflage inside? Mystery solved! Trunk or Treat Successful While the rain poured down outside on Halloween night, the children out trick or treating did definitely get wet, but they only got slightly wet when they went to the Gregg Fellowship Hall for the Trunk or Treat event planned by the Beaver Island Christian Church. While BINN editor Joe Moore was off the island for medical appointments, Ron Marsh set up the video camera to get some record of the Trunk or Treat event. Thank you, Ron Marsh!   Airport Commission Meeting Announced The Beaver Island Airport Commission will have a special meeting with the Michigan Department of Aeronautics and Mead and Hunt. It is scheduled to take place at the Peaine Township Hall on November 22, 2013, at 1 pm. Beaver Island Airport Commission Meeting The Beaver Island Airport Commission met this morning, November 2, 2013, at the St. James Township Hall beginning at 9 a.m. Some of the items on the agenda included the scheduling of meetings for 2014, adjustments to the 2013 budget, terminal building update, and the Airport Manager's Report. Video of this meeting can be viewed HERE. JOHN JAMES BOYLE Passed Away John James Boyle, 74, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at his home in Bloomington, Minnesota on October 19, 2013, of natural causes. John is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Marge, of Bloomington.  He also leaves behind his children Michael Boyle, Stacey Boyle Ng (Ben) and David Boyle (Donna), and his five beloved grandchildren, Isabella and Aidan Boyle, and Griffin, Connor and Charlotte Ng, all of California.  John came from a large family.  His parents Jack and Bea Boyle predeceased him, as well as his sisters Sharron Simpson (Neil) and Grace Matela (Ray).  John’s remaining ten siblings survived him as well: Morris Boyle (Sally), Don Boyle (Chris) Neal Boyle (Connie), Bernie Boyle (late wife Kathy), Steve Boyle, Tim Boyle, Pat Boyle, Theresa Gacek, Jean McDonough (Gary) and Susan Heynig (Doug).  John is also survived by many cousins and other extended family. John was born on Beaver Island February 23, 1939.  In the early 1940’s, he moved to Chicago with his family, and in his youth he worked alongside his father Jack in his construction company.   John attended Mt. Carmel and Breman high schools, and Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, where he graduated with a degree in engineering in 1961.  Upon graduating, he took his new bride Marge and their baby Mike across country to Los Angeles to work in the aerospace industry in the 1960’s.  Children Stacey and Dave followed. John worked at Douglas Aircraft, later McDonnell Douglas, as an aerospace engineer for many years, including many seminal aerospace projects, such as the Apollo rockets to the moon. In the 1980’s, John went to Hughes Helicopters.  He and Marge remained in Los Angeles until 1990.  With the kids in college, John and Marge relocated to Minneapolis for a job at Honeywell.  They remained in Minneapolis thereafter. John worked at Honeywell where he was Director of Precision Weapons.  He also worked at Alliant Tech Systems, and then SAIC until his retirement in 2009.    John was an accomplished man in many areas.  From home repairs and improvements, to coaching his kids’ basketball and football teams, John was a great husband and father, always devoted to his family.  He was an insatiable reader, and a dedicated follower of his Chicago home teams, from the Cubs to the Bears.  Coming from a large and enthusiastic Irish family, John loved a good argument and a spirited debate.  In his younger years, he enjoyed golf and was hoping to be able to get back onto the course. John cherished his Irish heritage, and had deep ties to Beaver Island.  John loved the water and could sit all day enjoying the view, whether bay, lake or ocean, despite never learning to swim!  Most of all, the great love of his life was Marge, together 53 years, who was selflessly dedicated to caring for him through a series of health setbacks in the last few years. John was a towering figure to family and friends, and a good man of deep integrity.  He will be dearly missed. Funeral mass will be 12 noon, Sunday, November 3, 2013, at Holy Cross Church on Beaver Island. John will be waked at the Holy Cross Convent on Saturday, Nov. 2, beginning at 4 pm, where the Rosary will be recited at 5:30 pm at the Convent. Cremation will follow.	Announcements BIRHC Annual Meeting Scheduled December 14, 2013 at 10 a.m. BIRHC Education and Community Room CHILDREN’S LUNCH WITH SANTA SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2014, from 11:30 am--1:00 pm AT GREGG FELLOWSHIP HALL, BEAVER ISLAND CHRISTIAN CHURCH ALL CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS AND/OR GRANDPARENTS ARE INVITED TO COME AND HAVE A HOT DOG LUNCH BEFORE SEEING SANTA. SANTA WILL ARRIVE AT 12:00 BRING YOUR CAMERA TO TAKE A PICTURE OF YOUR CHILD WITH SANTA.             Sponsored by the AMVETS Post #46 SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN The AMVETS will again hold a Santa’s Workshop on Wednesday, December 18, 2013, at the Beaver Island Community School so that the school children can pick out and purchase gifts for their family and friends.  This is a fun occasion for the workers as well as the children.  If anyone in the community would like to come and help wrap, etc. please call Dee Gallagher (448-2262) for details. 2014 Garden Tour Save the Date Planning for next summer's events can sometimes be tricky if you don't have any dates so we are announcing the date of our annual Garden Tour Benefit now. It will be on Wednesday, July 16, 2014. Dana D"Andraia and Jan Paul are putting together a wonderful fun­filled day for you and your guests. Our vans and lunch seating gets filled up quickly so please mark you calendars and be ready to buy tickets in advance of that date. We will have more information for you next spring so keep reading the " news" and watch for flyers in June. Have a wonderful winter and we'll see you next summer! Leonor, Connie and the Wellness Gardeners. Holy Cross Mass Schedule for Fall 2013 Sunday morning mass 10:00 am Events at the BI Christian Church November 17 Holiday Bazaar Nov 28 Thanksgiving Dinner starting at 6PM December 7+8 Christmas Cantata Ministers Schedule November 3: Pastor Jan Beaderstadt 10: Pastor Howard Davis 17 and 24: Pastor Harold Kruse BINGO News Gregg Fellowship Center. Doors open at 6:15 pm and games start at 7:00 sharp on first and third Wednesday! Beaver Island Human Services Commission 2013 Meeting Schedule At 2 p.m. at the Beaver Island Community School The Commission is a collaboration of organizations that advocates for the emotional and physical needs of island residents and visitors of all ages. November 21, 2013 Members: _______(Char-Em Human Service Coordinating Body), Adam Richards (BIRHC), Alice Belfy(BICS), Judi Meister (Food Pantry), Ann Partridge(COA liaison/Community Center), Lois Williams (Hospice/Helping Hands), Kathy Tidmore(St. James Township Rep.), Pam Grassmick (Peaine Township Rep.), ______ (AmVets) Message to All B.I. Organizations BINN is willing to post any and all events on the News on the 'Net website! There is one exception to this rule. BI News on the 'Net cannot post your event if you don't send the information to BINN! Subscriptions Expire You can subscribe online by using PayPal and a credit card. Please click the link below if you wish to renew online: RENEW Community Calendar A completely new feature includes a monthly calendar for each month of the entire year of 2013. Please send me your events and they will be posted so others can schedule their events without conflict. Email your schedule of events to medic5740@gmail.com. If you or your organization has an event you'd like posted on this Community Calendar, please contact me and I'll add it in.  Please try to get me the information as early as possible.

Algoway Day 2

The winds continue to blow across Lake Michigan and the Algoway is still anchored in Sand Bay, although a little farther out than when the pictures were taken yesterday evening. At 2 pm this afternoon, the pictures were taken from the beach down at Mike Boyle's Beach.

First picture taken from the roadway, the second from the beach.

Scaring some birds as the beach was approached

Nighttime pictures taken from the same places as above.

The Algoway was still anchored in Sand Bay at 8 pm tonight, October 26, 2013.

A little before 5 am this morning, Sunday, October 27, 2013, the Algoway left Sand Bay and was headed to Charlevoix, which explains why it was waiting. While other vessels continued to move on the Lake Michigan, the Algoway needed to be able to get into the cement plant in Charlevoix to dock and unload. The wind was preventing that. See you next time, Algoway!

Deer Near the Golf Course

A doe and her triplets that have hung around the golf course all summer and fall.

Some Huge Puff Balls

The lens cover was placed to give you some perspective on how large these puff balls really are. The one on the right had a second right next to it yesterday, but someone harvested it before these pictures were taken.

Trivia Pub Quiz Scheduled

The trivia experts will be out in strength on November 24, 2013, to compete. The competition that will benefit the Beaver Island Food Pantry will take place at Stoney Acres beginning at 3 p.m. Come on out and have some fun!

Sheriff's Department Reports Facebook Scam

Sheriff Schneider would like to advise citizens to beware of a new type of scam reported recently involving Facebook.  Subjects are hacking into unsuspecting Facebook members accounts and recording their friends list and their personal information.  The suspect then creates a new Facebook account using the victim’s name and personal information.  Suspect then “refriend” all the original friends on the new account and then attempt to scam the victim.  The victim thinks they are communicating with a friend but it is actually a stranger trying to scam them.  In the recent reported case, the “friend” was trying to get the victim to click on a link call the “United Nations Helping Foundation Program.”  The “friend” told the victim the foundation gives up to $100,000 to people who are deaf, retired, elderly or disabled.  The victim figured out this person was not her friend by asking questions only her true friend could answer.  The scammer then disconnected once it was obvious the victim had figured out this was a scam.  The victim wanted law enforcement to advise citizens about this scam and said it is easy to combat if the user asks questions to establish the true identity of the “friend.”  We hope this helps.

BEAVER ISLAND CHRISTIAN CHURCH
requests
SNOW PLOWING BIDS
for the 2013-2014 season

Responsibility when two or more inches of snow or significant drifting

1.  Removal of snow from areas determined through meeting with representative of Building/Grounds Committee
2. All plowing must be completed at least 1 hour before scheduled event.
3. Bid must be submitted on an hourly rate basis with assurance the snow plowing will be for the entire 2013-2014 season.

A calendar of special events will be provided.
Unsatisfactory performance will result in forfeiture of the bid award.
Damage done to church grounds while plowing must, in the spring, be repaired to the church’s satisfaction.
Bids must be submitted to the Beaver Island Christian Church, PO Box 21, by Friday, November 8, 2013.
Beaver Island Christian Church reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids.

Beaver Island Christian Church
Judi Meister, moderator (448-2963)
October 23, 2013

Another Rip-Off

For those of you that have been successful using this coupon, News on the 'Net would like to hear from you. You can email your experiences with this to medic5740@gmail.com. Here is the experience of one senior on Beaver Island. Following the directions, you are to print out this coupon and take it with your prescription to your pharmacy. Since that's not so convenient on Beaver Island, the next best method was to take the coupon to the Beaver Island Rural Health Center and have the prescription and coupon faxed to the local drug store.

So what was the result of doing this from Beaver Island? First of all, the drug company who is doing this promotion got $185 from the senior's pharmacy insurance. Then the bill from the local pharmacy arrived in the amount of $106.20. This means that the drug company received $291.20 for the free Epi-Pens. Here is the rip-off website that explains it: http://mylifeandkids.com/how-to-get-free-epipens/ The title of the page is "How to Get Free Epi-Pens." Now the last time anyone of you looked, FREE does not mean a bill of $106.20.

This is a corporate rip-off to get you to buy 2 Epi-Pens when you usually only need one. Mylan Specialty (the makers of the Epi Pen) want you to go ahead and buy these. You will find in the small print a statement that they will pay a maximum of $100 of your co-pay, but it doesn't work out that way. Contact with Central Drug Store in Charlevoix verified that this is not going to get you free Epi-Pens.

Here is the primary fact surrounding this offer. If you have a commercial insurance, and if your commercial insurance has nothing to do with Medicaid or Medicare, you can get $100 off your co-pay. If you don't have insurance at all, and if you are not qualifying for Medicaid or Medicare, you can get up to $100 off the retail cost of the Epi-Pen. The translation is that if you are part of these two populations in the United States, you will not get anything. So the 15.1% of the US population, our seniors, will get nothing. And children who are in poverty will get nothing.

"Those who get any form of government insurance do not qualify for this offer," stated the manufacturer's representative.

Checking around for the prices for emergency medical services provided the following information: One set of two Epi-Pens cost $405 for an EMS service. A vial of Epinephrine containing 100 doses of the same drug amount without the autoinjector costs emergency medical services a total of $12.05 with the cost of syringes added. One box of 100 insulin syringes costs $17.65. So the medication costs of 100 doses of this drug is $29.70 for the EMS services or 30 cents per dose, but the consumer having to buy an Epi-Pen, two doses, the only way you can buy it as an autoinjector, may have to pay $250-400 for just a two dose package, .

Need Heat, Got Food

The Health Center News, Fall 2013

“Gently Used, Barely Used, Like New”

The Transfer Station is no longer able to accept cloth as part of the recycling program.  This change has a direct affect on the operation of Island Treasures Resale Shop.  Previously, when we received donations of clothing that were stained, torn, or otherwise unusable, we would take them to the transfer station where they were recycled for free. Now, because of a change of Transfer Station policy, the rejected clothing items must go into a $4.00 “green bag” 

Transfer station employees, Bob and Amy, told us that over half of the volume of cloth that they handled, over the years, was generated by the resale shop.  Now, the resale shop must absorb the cost of the four dollar green bags.  To help defray the added cost we will have to raise the prices of clothing and linen items.

We are asking our generous donors to carefully sort each donation of linens and clothing.  Items must be not be stained, torn, or frayed.  Please check that buttons and zippers are working.  Clothing is accepted in season.

The Resale Shop, including Carol’s Barn, is open Thursday through Saturday from noon until 4:00.  If you need help at other times, just call.

People frequently ask about “big” donations.  We do not accept mattresses, upholstered furniture, large appliances, computers, or TVs.

We are happy to serve our community and financially aid our first responders.  Thank you for the decades of support and encouragement.

FYI- We have been at the Donnegal Bay Rd. location for 6 years!  Time flies when you are having fun!

Call Donna at 448-2797 

BI Christian Church Announcement-Holiday Bazaar

This year's Holiday Bazaar will take place on Sunday, November 17, 2013, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Gregg Fellowship Center. Letters with reservation information are available at Jean Kinsley's real estate office, the Community Center, and the District Library. Reservation forms must be returned by Monday, November 11, 2013. Telephone or personal contact reservations are not accepted.
In the tradition begun several years ago, the Beaver Island Food Pantry will be serving home-made soup for a donation.
Also, in the tradition begun several years ago, each vendor will donate an item for a drawing. Tickets for this drawing will be sold for 25 cents. Funds raised from this drawing will be donated to the Beaver Island Food Pantry.
There will be a few additions to the bazaar this year:

1. There will be a decorated Christmas tree just inside the door. If you bring a canned good to donate to the Food Pantry, you will get 1 free ticket for the drawing mentioned above. If you bring an unwrapped toy to put under the tree, you will receive 2 free tickets for the drawing. The donated toys will be given to Island children for Christmas. Other gift items placed under the tree will be gratefully accepted.

2. There will be an "Ugly Christmas Sweater" parade at 12:00. Prizes will be awarded in 2 categories: "Adult" and "Kids of All Ages". Winners will be selected by bazaar attendees.

3. There will be a table where young children can write and mail a letter to Santa.

4. Vendors will be participating in "Vendor Wars" (someone has been watching t o many "Storage Wars" episodes!) Bazaar shoppers will have an opportunity to vote for the most festive display table.

For more information, contact Judi Meister (2963) or Jean Kinsley (2856) or Judy Boyle (3189).

Mark your calendars! Plan to shop locally!! Some new vendors, some new items offered by returning vendors, baked goods, and birthday calendars!

BIRHC Annual Meeting Scheduled

December 14, 2013 at 10 a.m.

BIRHC Education and Community Room

2014 Garden Tour, Save the Date

Planning for next summer's events can sometimes be tricky if you don't have any dates so we are announcing the date of our annual Garden Tour Benefit now. It will be on Wednesday, July 16, 2014. Dana D"Andraia and Jan Paul are putting together a wonderful fun­filled day for you and your guests. Our vans and lunch seating gets filled up quickly so please mark you calendars and be ready to buy tickets in advance of that date. We will have more information for you next spring so keep reading the " news" and watch for flyers in June. Have a wonderful winter and we'll see you next summer! Leonor, Connie and the Wellness Gardeners.

Transit Hours

Charlevoix County Transit will be switching to Fall/Winter Hours on Beaver Island beginning Monday, October 14, 2013.  Service will be available weekdays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  As the transit provides services on a first come/first serve basis, it is suggested you call a day in advance for transportation for your scheduled appointments.   The Spring/Summer service schedule will be announced in April, 2014.  To contact the transit office, call 231-448-2026.

Emergency Air Transport-The First Year

In the interest of providing information for the public, BINN had requested a profit and loss statement for the first year of emergency air transport by the Beaver Island Emergency Medical Service, the agency with the State of Michigan license for emergency air transport. This income statement has been provided. At the point in time that the BIEMS had completed its first complete year of emergency air transport, the following are the figures provided:

(click to view a larger picture)

This chart shows the income from BIEMS from August 2012, the beginning date of the licensed air transport to the beginning of August 2013. The chart provided shows that BIEMS received income for 60 ground ambulance transports making an income of $24,218. BIEMS received $45,786 for ten air transports, but paid out $30,390 to the air carrier. This works out to two-thirds of the income going to the air carrier and one-third of the income for the flights going to BIEMS for these ten flights. There were more flights than ten, but these are only the flights that have been paid by Medicare and insurance companies. There are several flights, with BCBS as the insurance company, that have been billed, but have not been paid as of the beginning of August 2013.

BIRHC SEEKS BOARD APPLICATIONS

The Beaver Island Rural Health Center is seeking applicants interested in serving on its board of directors. The board position will be filled at its annual meeting on Saturday, December 14, 2013.
Board terms are for three years and directors are not compensated. The BIRHC board meets on a Saturday morning every third month. Directors are expected to attend most of the meetings, either in person or by speakerphone.
Candidates should be team players who will champion the cause of the Health Center and be willing to contribute their time and talents to board activities, including fundraising. Full or part-time residents are encouraged to apply by letter to the BIRHC Selection Committee, P.O. Box 146, Beaver Island, MI 49782.
For more information, applicants may contact Managing Director Donna Kubic. Candidates should send or drop off a letter which states their interest and tells a little about themselves by the deadline of November 15, 2013.

How Long Will This Continue?

Editorial by Joe Moore

This information is based upon the 2000 census:

St. James Township has 20 square miles of land, while Peaine Township has 73 square miles of land.  Peaine has 200% more area of land to serve by emergency services and other joint projects.  St. James has 331 housing units, while Peaine has 410 housing units.  Peaine has 24% more housing units.  St. James has per capita income of $20,109 while Peaine has per capita income of $33,091.  Peaine has 64% higher per capita income.

Why then does the St. James taxpayer have to pay 48.5% more in millage for property taxes than a Peaine taxpayer for all joint projects?
Over the last twenty years, Peaine Township has not levied over a million dollars in taxes that was levied as millage in St. James Township.  Why is this fair?  Why does a St. James Township taxpayer pay 48.5% more millage for every single joint operation including the BI Transfer Station, BI Fire Department, BI Emergency Medical Service, the Township Airport, and the BI Historical Society?

There was a seven year period where the Peaine Taxpayer paid more millage than the St. James taxpayer.  This happened about thirty years ago.  Doesn’t the last twenty years more than make up for these seven years that occurred more than twenty years ago?  Just because St. James matched dollars for some of this seven year period, doesn’t the last twenty years of Peaine matching dollars make up for these seven years?  St. James has had to settle for matching dollars for twenty years while Peaine only had to settle for matching dollars for seven years.  St. James has had to deal with this 300% more years than Peaine.

Where would all these joint operations be if the Peaine millage had not been decreased for more than twenty years?  Beaver Island will never know the answer to this question. 

How many more years will the St. James taxpayer be paying more for the same joint operations?  How many more years of the St. James taxpayer paying almost fifty percent more in taxes than the Peaine taxpayer for these joint operations?

Does the fire department serve all of Peaine Township?  Does EMS serve all of Peaine Township?  Doesn’t the history of the island include history of Peaine Township?  Isn’t the Transfer Station available to every single taxpayer in Peaine Township?  Isn’t the Township Airport available to a Peaine taxpayer just as much as to a St. James taxpayer?  If this is one Island, then why doesn’t the Peaine Township taxpayer pay the same millage as the St. James taxpayer?

BICS Basketball Schedule

St. James Township Fishing Pier and Boat Launch Drawings

These were the first drawings presented as options by the engineer for the water side of this project.

This is the parking area suggested for the boat launch portion of this project

This was another option based upon the some suggestions made at the special meeting.

Beaver Island Township Airport Project

Site Plan

Subscriptions Have Expired in October and November

Several family and business subscriptions expired in June and others expire in July. . This is a reminder to those that wish to renew online. If you do renew online using a credit or debit card, and the Paypal SUBSCRIBE button, BINN will automatically make a donation of $10 in your name to the Beaver Island Food Pantry. If you are not sure when your subscription expires, please email the editor at medic5740@gmail.com, and your subscription expiration will be included in a return email.

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